What you need to know about flu

Joe Fudge, Daily Press

Joe Fudge, Daily Press

Veronica Chufo247-4741

It'll be an early flu season this year, thanks to H1N1. The virus, which usually causes a mild illness but can become serious for those at risk of complications, is already sending more people to emergency departments and urgent-care centers than just a few weeks ago. During an interview with the Daily Press, Dr. David Trump, left, the Peninsula Health District's director, provided answers to questions about H1N1, the vaccine and this year's flu season.

Q: Who's recommended for the H1N1 vaccine?

A: People at high risk of complications from the flu should be vaccinated. That includes pregnant women; children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old; anyone 25 to 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems; and health-care and emergency medical workers. Also, parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, who aren't eligible for the vaccine, should be vaccinated to protect the infants, Trump said.

Pregnant women infected with the H1N1 virus have been hospitalized at a greater rate than the general population, and 6 percent of confirmed H1N1 fatalities have been in pregnant women, which make up about 1 percent of the general population, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Q: When will the vaccine be available?

A: The state's first shipment of the vaccine is expected to arrive by mid- to late-October. The health department plans to focus on the high-priority groups first, and there's no reason to believe there will be a shortage.

"Everyone will have the opportunity to get the vaccine if they want it," Trump said.

Q. Where can I get the vaccine?

A. The vaccine will be available in many places on the Peninsula — the health department, physicians' offices and even schools. The health department is working with local school divisions to offer clinics at some schools during the school day, with parental permission, or at after-school events so that parents can be there. Details about where and when will be available once the health department starts receiving the vaccine.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The vaccine itself is free, and many insurance companies have agreed to cover administrative costs. But some places, such as pharmacies and physicians' offices, might mention an administration fee, Trump said.

Q. Will it be one shot or two?

A. One dose — whether by shot or by nasal mist spray — should be sufficient for those ages 10 and older. Those younger than 10 are recommended to have two doses. That's also the case if the child under 10 is getting the seasonal flu vaccine for the first time, Trump said. But you do need both vaccines, one for H1N1 and one for seasonal flu.

Q. What do I need to know about the seasonal flu?

A. People are recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine now, before the H1N1 vaccine is available, to keep physicians' offices from being swamped later. The seasonal flu vaccine won't wear off if you get it early, Trump said.

Q. How can I avoid getting H1N1?

A. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching your mouth and eyes. Frequently clean shared work spaces and objects such as doorknobs. Maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from sick people to reduce your risk of infection, Trump said.

Those efforts can provide short-term protection until the vaccine is available and able to provide long-term protection.

"Everyone should think about how to slow down the spread of this virus in the community," Trump said.

Q. What do I need to know if I think my child or I have H1N1?

A. Stay home from work or school, rest and drink plenty of fluids. You or your child might not necessarily need to see a doctor, unless you're at risk of complications. Signs you should contact your doctor include difficulty breathing, dehydration, a worsening cough and a resurgence of respiratory symptoms after recovering. Other signs include confusion, if you're an adult, or a hard time waking up, if you're a child, Trump said.

Q. Can I take an antiviral such as Tamiflu?

A. If you're handling it OK and you're not at risk for complications, then you might not need the drug, he said. "Not everyone needs to take Tamiflu to get over the flu," Trump said.

Q. Should businesses be prepared for widespread absenteeism?

A. Yes. Businesses, local governments and nonprofits should think about how they can do business if many of their employees are sick or at home with sick children, Trump said.

Learn more For more information about H1N1, visit vdh.virginia.gov or call 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (1-877-275-8343).